As part of its Poop Scoop Swoop project, Barnard Castle Town Council has teamed up with the Dogs Trust, to organise the Dogs in the Community event at Scar Top, on Saturday, March 1, from 11am to 3pm.

Durham County Council’s Civic Pride Team will also be in attendance to promote its Green Dog Walkers’ initiative.

Dog owners whose pets are not yet micro-chipped are encouraged to take up the free micro-chipping service on offer as it is set to become compulsory in 2016.

Barnard Castle’s town mayor, councillor Frank Harrison said: “It is a simple way to ensure that dog and owner are reunited should they become separated.”

For information about the event, call the town council, 01833-690970 or for information about Durham County Council’s Green Dog Walkers initiative visit durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=9074.